Homestead Vineyards & Winery- Grapevine Review

Address: 211 E. Worth St Grapevine,Texas 76051.
Phone Number: 817-251-9463
Tasting Hours: Mon-Wed 11:00-5:30, Thurs-Sat 11:00-9:30, Sun 12:00-5:30

Region: Texas
Reviewer: Adria Schmedthorst
Review Date: 4/14/2012
Reviewer: Adria Schmedthorst
Rating: 3

The Review

If you want to get away from the crowds of the Main Street Wine Trail, Homestead Winery offers an escape for weary wine lovers.

The Place: &nbspLocated an easy walk away from Main Street on East Worth St. in a tree shaded neighborhood, Homestead Vineyards tasting room is set in an aging 1880’s Victorian home with white gingerbread trim. Ample parking is available in the back and a few spaces are available in front of the winery. As you enter, the makeshift tasting bar is directly to your left and the long, wood paneled room takes you back in time. Although a simple setup, you are greeted by staff eager to share their offerings. With three rooms for tastings, you can sample at the main tasting area or take your choice of wine with you to one of the rocking chairs on the porch and relax as other winery visitors drift past.

The Experience: &nbspVisiting Homestead Winery in Grapevine is a simple but charming adventure. With lace curtains and a vase of fresh flowers at the door, the house’s simple details make you feel like you are visiting your grandmother’s house, a grandmother who makes some very nice wines. Owner Gabe Parker, originally a CPA, chose to get back to the farming history of his grandfather and has been making wine for 23 years now. Although the enthusiastic staff at Homestead love to talk about the advantages and styles of Texas wines, tastings are relaxed and never rushed. The staff encourages visitors to just sit and enjoy each of the offerings for a lazy afternoon. With the friendly smiles and home atmosphere, it’s like spending a day with family.

The Wines: As the oldest continually operating vineyard in North Texas’ Red River Valley, Homestead Winery consistently produces good quality table wines. Located in Ivanhoe, Texas, the vineyard now has 20 acres of Ruby Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat grapes. If you are in the mood for a sweet but balanced white wine to combat the Texas heat, take home a bottle of the Homestead Moon shadow Riesling for $15. Or try their most popular Rose of Ivanhoe Red, named for their Ivanhoe vineyard, for just $13. Also available is their recently debuted Tempranillo for $16.

Insider’s Tip: &nbspHomestead Winery offers a wine club, sending you special shipments of their most popular wines four times a year. As a bonus when you join the club, you will also receive tasting room discounts and invitations to parties at the Grapevine winery at least once a month. Wine Down at Homestead offers a fun evening every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 6pm-10pm. There is also 5% off a six bottle purchase or 10% off a twelve bottle purchase. Personal labeling is also available.